Nature is everywhere: Healing Oasis Throughout Your Days

I am a city girl ever since I remember. I used to think that I need to go on vacation or go to somewhere remote to experience nature but it is actually everywhere. My thought was not based on the facts but my disconnection with nature. It was mentally far away and missing a lot. Let’s not forget we are also part of nature.

Nature has so many healing powers but my favorites are being present and calming. There are so many suggestions out there to practice being present and calm down such as meditation, yoga, changing mindset, journaling (which I do), etc. For me, a simple short walk from 10 to 15 mins in my neighbor does the magic and offer everything I need. When I do it, I do not listen to anything or try not to think about anything else. I open all my senses to listen birds or other fellow creatures, smell the air, feel the weather and look at the sky, all the plants changing in seasons and simply enjoy the nature around me. This practice gives me some exercise and mentally prepare for the remaining day ahead of me and center myself into my core. It is quite calming and feel more tunned in with my body and soul.

Nature is in your own back yard too. Where I live, squirrels visit and hear birds most of the days. My yard is not near big but it has small patch of lawn and pots I planted. I just sit in a chair and simply enjoy that small area of nature by myself. I sometimes lay down in the patio swing and look at the sky, drink coffee and often close my eyes to listen the wind rustling trees, animals calling each other, etc. If you have a small kid and own a tent, camp out in your back yard! There will be no bears (which I am afraid of) and you are just a few steps away from home feeling safe. When it gets dark, you will be surprised to hear the familiar sounds of nature there. To make it extra fun, smores, flashlights, kid-friendly scary stories and telescope if you have one are recommended.

Venture out to the parks near you if you are willing to drive a bit. I have a few parks near me, one is man-made with a beautiful garden and a couple forest reserves with lakes. It is also fun to visit parks that you really never explored. There are hidden gems in each. I personally love parks with lake which works like a mirror reflecting its surrounding and especially sky. I can’t stop staring at it. I love parks with beautiful gardens as well. I think it is a form of art. I admire gardening folks. If you have your own garden, that can be your own patch of nature and I am sure it has healing powers too. There are so many quick ways as well. I especially enjoy birds that come to my evergreen for little blue berries and my flower pots by the widow. I make sure to peak out from the kitchen window to look at beautiful sunset. When it is windy, there’s my favorite tree to watch. The tangling leaves busy waving to me and making rustling sounds just like a natural windchime. Be creative to be in nature. Open all your senses and be present with nature. Make sure you look at the sky every day as a reminder. This practice can be your oasis throughout your days.